How great must he be feeling over a pool table. Final 4 at world 10 ball. This must be up there for best year of pool.
Mika's season
- Thread starter Jason Robichaud
- Start date
The year he won the WPC was the same year he lost in the finals of the US Open. He was very disappointed to say the least. He wants this double bad.
I think more than just a World title hangs in the balance now. Given that he wins these next two sets, the possibility of being the Player of the Decade also looms large. I'm not saying he should be POTD, but it's a much closer race than anyone would ever have imagined earlier this year. His dominance is just unquestionable at this point. A strong finish often sits heavy as a deciding factor in such situations.
i think ralph is the POTD by a landslide even if mika wins every tourny he plays in next year. mika has had a fantastic year and has done well but there is no way you can compare him to what souquet has done imho.
I think most people will agree with you on that one. In my opinion, the question basically comes down to this:
What's more impressive?
1) To be consistently the most dominant tournament player for the majority of a decade (also include numerous Mosconi Cups performances).
or
2) To finish strong with the most dominant 2 year spree since the days of Varner? (also add in a very strong 2001, when Mika won the worlds and placed 2nd at the US Open).
It's a toss up. I think if Mika's killing spree had happened in the middle of the decade, Ralf would be a lock. However a strong finish means a lot in the eyes of many voters.
Only time will tell I guess.
wasn't '01 when he lost the finals 11-0 to corey
isnt he the only one to ever accomplish that? i agree there hasnt been anyone better in the last 2 years or so ( except svb) but souquet has been at the top every single year of this decade. you are right time will tell if his surge is enough to overcome "the kaiser's" decade of pushing the greatest (efren) to the limit everytime they played.
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wasn't '01 when he lost the finals 11-0 to corey
Yes, he was white washed in the finals. But that's not because he played poorly. Corey simply mastered the break and ran out every game. 2nd place is still pretty impressive after also winning the WPC.
You are right though, Ralf is in the lead. I just feel that if Mika wins this WTBC, he will be making a very strong case to turn the tides.
Should be interesting to see how it pans out. Mind you, this is assuming he wins the WTBC, which is farrrrrrrrrrrrrr from being an easy task.
Hate to burst your bubble, but know one is even close to what Ralf Souquet has achieved in the last decade, hes a shoe in for that prestigious title.
go Mika go!
lol, you aren't bursting my bubble. I actually had not even thought about it until a few other industry people (and players) brought it up.
It's a hope...give it time.
Regardless of the POTD title, he is most definitely the player of NOW. I think it's unbelievable what he has been doing as of late.
2009 would be the last year of this decade (2000-2009).
I like Mika for POY for the second year in a row. Already has made nine finals and won five of them, including Qatar Open, Galveston Ten Ball, U.S. Open, Mezz Classic and Capital City Open. Also won the Challenge of Champions one week after the Open. He could still win this one and the Mosconi Cup in two weeks to add the icing to the cake.
Yes, he was white washed in the finals. But that's not because he played poorly. Corey simply mastered the break and ran out every game. 2nd place is still pretty impressive after also winning the WPC.
You are right though, Ralf is in the lead. I just feel that if Mika wins this WTBC, he will be making a very strong case to turn the tides.
Should be interesting to see how it pans out. Mind you, this is assuming he wins the WTBC, which is farrrrrrrrrrrrrr from being an easy task.
It was because he played poorly. He had many chances to get back into that match and choked each time.
Ralf has more championships, friends and fans.
Jason,
I agree with you. The "Kaiser" has to be considered so far in front with all his wins in varied disciplines.....
2002 U.S. Open 9 Ball Champion, 2000 U.S. Open 14.1 Champion, 2008 World 8 Ball Champion, 2004, 2006 and 2008 Derby City 9 Ball Champion, 2000, 2002, 2006 World Pool Master's Champion, 2006 European 9 Ball Champion, 2000 & 2003 European 8 Ball Champion, 2002 & 2003 German 9 Ball Champion, 2001 & 2002 German 8 Ball Champion, 2003 & 2006 BCA Open 9 Ball Champion are just some of his wins.
Ralf can retire yesterday and still be the player of the decade 2000-2009.
Jason,
I agree with you. The "Kaiser" has to be considered so far in front with all his wins in varied disciplines.....
2002 U.S. Open 9 Ball Champion, 2000 U.S. Open 14.1 Champion, 2008 World 8 Ball Champion, 2004, 2006 and 2008 Derby City 9 Ball Champion, 2000, 2002, 2006 World Pool Master's Champion, 2006 European 9 Ball Champion, 2000 & 2003 European 8 Ball Champion, 2002 & 2003 German 9 Ball Champion, 2001 & 2002 German 8 Ball Champion, 2003 & 2006 BCA Open 9 Ball Champion are just some of his wins.
Ralf can retire yesterday and still be the player of the decade 2000-2009.
I think it will be Corteza -vs- Immonen in the finals. A little less than 5 hours to go before the first semis match starts today.
Blowfish,
I'm hoping for a Corteza vs Lining finals.
I just looked up souquet's tournaments for the last 8 years and I don't see how he could be picked as the POTD over mika... if mika wins this tournament. Idk I think it would be unreal if he wins this one also.
